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"According to the Commandments of Our Fathers," Omini1:1-13

Omni 1:1-13

It impresses me the sense of obligation, and honor that these men felt towards the instruction given them from their fathers, at least in this regard. Perhaps this is evidence of the Lord's preserving hand upon this record.

The record goes from Omni (son of Jarom) to his son, Amaron. Amaron points out that the word of the Lord had been verified in the destruction of the more wicked part of the Nephites, while the righteous had been preserved.  Then Amaron give the record to his brother, Chemish. Chemish's only contribution is to point out that Amaron made his record on the day that he gave the records  to Chemish. Abinadom, the son of Chemish, following his fathers, makes only a few remarks, one being evident of the spiritual decay that had transpired: "I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy;"(verse 11).

But then Abindom's son, Amaleki, tells of quite a different change of events when he begins by saying that their king, Mosiah, had been warned of the Lord to flee the city of Nephi with as many as would follow him. After several generations had dwindled in unfaithfulness, suddenly here rises Mosiah, who leads the people by preaching and prophesying -- or better said, who let the voice of  Lord lead the people.

Know this, that ev’ry soul is free
To choose his life and what he’ll be;
For this eternal truth is giv’n:
That God will force no man to heav’n.
(Hymns, Know This, That Every Soul Is Free, no. 240)

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